GoldenEye Source

Original Release: 2010
Developer: GE Source Team
Publisher: Self-Published
Platform: PC

Officially released in 2010, GoldenEye source is a remake of the GoldenEye multiplayer using the source engine (best known for Half-Life 2). It brings us updates of some classic GoldenEye maps, mixed with some new ones. I’m not a fan of online multiplayer, but this does offer some bot options for me to give it a quick blast.

The new maps can vary quite a lot. Archive is a faithful recreation of the full N64 level, with just a few additional routes. As the game supports a lot more players, it certainly helps al lot. Dam, on the other hand, is essentially a completely new layout designed for multiplayer, stitching different elements of the original for a less linear map.

The game does play homage to the original game in some areas, like weapon reloads, while doing its own thing in others. One big different movement, due to jumping and much quicker crouching, creating complexly new movement strategies. While the movement is nice, it does feel like you’re playing Half-Life 2 with a GoldenEye skin rather than an update of the original.

There are a good selection of maps in the game – including one based on Casino Royale – and some of the original maps are available in their “classic” forms with graphics straight out of the N64. Some maps also add some really nice detail, Facility being a highlight, without altering the map that much.

If you want to have a bit of fun with friends in levels based on GoldenEye, then this is a lot of fun and is east to set up and play, but if you’re looking for a faithful recreation, then this one isn’t it. That’s entirely down to design choices and the developers have done a great job with the levels themsevles.